Insiders reveal that Donald Trump was on the brink of launching an attack on Iran but decided against it to avoid triggering a prolonged conflict in the Middle East.
The US president had issued a warning to Iran, stating he was “locked and loaded” earlier in the week, cautioning the Iranian government against harming protesters and indicating support was on the way.
Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, confirmed that all options were under consideration, with Iran’s airspace closure hinting at an impending strike. Despite military preparations for an attack the following day, Trump heeded advice from advisors to refrain from military action.
In the preceding days, US Middle Eastern allies urged the Trump administration to delay any strikes, fearing the destabilization of the region and global economy. The President sought counsel from various advisors before ultimately deciding against a strike, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.
Concerns were raised by officials who doubted the effectiveness of strikes in toppling the Iranian regime and questioned the available military capacity for a prolonged campaign. Trump also expressed gratitude to Iran for halting the execution of hundreds of political prisoners, signaling a potential shift away from military action.
Trump’s acknowledgment of Iran’s restraint in executing individuals, along with the absence of recent protests in Tehran, suggests a possible de-escalation of tensions. The death toll from the government’s crackdown on protests has reached 3,090, marking a significant escalation in violence reminiscent of past uprisings in Iran.
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